AS Level Biology (9700): Practical Work – Guidance Note

 

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The Cambridge AS Level Biology Workbook is well aligned with the practical skill requirements of the syllabus and may be used as a supporting resource.

As per Cambridge AS Level Biology (9700), practical work is aligned with Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills. The emphasis is on the development of practical competencies including planning, manipulation, observation, presentation of data, and evaluation, rather than the memorisation of fixed experiments.
Chapters P1 and P2 of the Coursebook summarise these expectations and should be used as reference points while planning practical work.

For effective preparation and consistent implementation, the following core practical skill areas and commonly used specimens/slides should be planned for in advance:

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Key Practical Skill Areas (AS Level)

• Microscopy, microscope measurements, and accurate biological drawings

• Measurement of mass, volume, time, temperature, and pH integrated across investigations

• Enzyme investigations

• Diffusion and osmosis

• Transport tissues in plants

• Data collection, graphical representation, and analysis

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Important Slides & Specimens for Observation

Microscopy (Plant & Animal):

• Transverse section of dicot stem (e.g. sunflower)

• Transverse section of dicot root

• Leaf transverse section

• Vascular bundle (xylem and phloem)

• Mammalian blood smear

• Trachea (ciliated epithelium)

• Ileum / intestine (villi)

• Alveoli (lung tissue)

• Skeletal muscle fibres

Plant Materials (Fresh / Preserved):

• Celery stem (xylem transport investigations)

• Potato or beetroot cylinders (osmosis)

• Leaves for stomatal investigations

• Germinating seeds (enzyme activity)

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Common Practical Investigations

• Effect of temperature or pH on enzyme activity

• Rate of diffusion using agar jelly cubes

• Osmosis using plant tissue

• Transpiration-related investigations

• Microscopy-based measurements using eyepiece graticules

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Examination Readiness

• Practical sessions should be structured using past Paper 3 questions and Confidential Instructions, particularly for revision, mock, prelim, and pre-board purposes.

• Students must be trained to perform and record:

  • Accurate biological drawings

  • Correct use of units and significant figures

  • Well-structured tables and clearly labelled graphs

  • Conclusions and evaluations within the stipulated time frame

• Risk assessment and laboratory safety practices must be explicitly taught and routinely implemented, as these are commonly assessed.

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Laboratory Preparedness

All laboratory apparatus, reagents, slides, and biological materials must be arranged in accordance with the guidance provided on the Cambridge School Support Hub, including information accompanying examination papers.

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This note serves as the guiding framework for AS Level Biology practical planning, delivery, and assessment.